The Power of Music
I recently attended an online conference that featured a session on the power of music and it's unique qualities. Whether you are a caregiver or a loved one being cared for, a musician at any level or simply enjoy music, you already know it's ability to bring not only a sense of comfort but a sense of security. How simply hearing a song can bring about feelings and take you back to a familiar time and place. Songs can provide an unconditional understanding and connection for what we are going through when all else seems to fail.
Blank Stares by Jay Allen
Jay shared with the conference about his mother, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and showing signs of stage 6 by the age of 52. He wrote this song after he noticed his mother "looked right through me" but hours later connected with him as they were dancing.
Click on the photo to read Jay's story and watch the video.
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Prima ballerina Marta C. González, recalls choreography while listening to "Swan Lake", despite having Alzheimer's and being confined to a wheelchair.
The video is from Música para Despertar / 2019 and is a beautiful example of how music and rhythm are maintained despite dementia's devastating effect on the brain. Note how the gentleman encourages her to continue when she at first hesitates. Music can make and be that connection so many caregivers are looking for with their loved ones.
Click on the photo to view the complete performance.
Online support groups and individual consultations are designed to assist with your unique caregiving needs and concerns. There is no charge to be a part of our open groups offering opportunities to share and be heard, as well as to listen and support.

Perhaps you’re not comfortable sharing in a group? We also offer individual consultations at no charge. If you have a concern about your loved one's dementia behaviors, are looking for assistance finding resources, or would just appreciate a private session with a caregiver consultant simply CLICK HERE to schedule a 30 minute individual caregiver consultation at no financial cost to you.
TUESDAY...November 24th at 11:00am
Non-Disease Specific Caregiver Fellowship
Via facilitated online meetings, this is an opportunity to meet and share with other caregivers seeking emotional support and a necessary sense of community with like-minded people.
This group is non-disease specific to encourage conversation on caregiving concerns and circumstances.

Our Caregiver Fellowship is now on the second and fourth Tuesday morning at 11:00am.
WEDNESDAY...December 2nd at 11:00am
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Whether you are caring for your loved one at home or they reside in a facility, the stress of caring for a loved one with dementia, especially during this time, can be overwhelming with uncertainty. 
From the comfort of your own home, you are invited to fellowship with other caregivers sharing your concerns and struggles. This group is for family caregivers of a loved one with dementia or memory issues only.

Our Dementia Caregiver Support Group is now on the first and third Wednesday monthly at 11:00am.
Individual Dementia Caregiver Consultations Available
Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and find yourself blocked and frustrated because you don't know what to do and how to do it when it comes to relating and communicating. Do you wonder why what you both want is not happening?

Learn to anticipate the struggles and how to be better prepared. Recognize your loved one's point of view, understand where they are coming from, comprehend the grieving of loss that comes with dementia, and develop a better understanding of what is possible and what is not.

Jill Costello is a Certified Dementia Consultant under Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care and is available for individual caregiver consultations at no financial cost to you. CLICK HERE for more information.
Educational content provided by Positive Approach® is used with permission and based on the GEMS® and the techniques, strategies, and overall approach to care created and developed by Positive Approach, LLC. www.teepasnow.com 
Restorative Yoga online via ZOOM!
ECI is pleased to announce that our volunteer yoga instructors, Marcia Berens and Franessa Stalter, are continuing their wonderfully relaxing Restorative Yoga classes via ZOOM.

The weekly day and time remain the same as before: Thursdays at 9:30am – 10:30am.

-- RESPITE IS AVAILABLE! --
Exhausted caregivers with a loved one under Hospice Savannah's care are eligible for respite each month. Respite care is available for your loved one in our beautifully renovated Inpatient Unit on Eisenhower Drive where they will receive personalized care from our onsite clinical staff.
Ask your Hospice Savannah nurse or social worker for more information on how to take advantage of this service.

If your loved one is not under Hospice Savannah care,
please call 912-629-1088 for information.
Do you know a caregiver who could
benefit from the services of the
Edel Caregiver Institute?
Simply text "EdelCaregiver" to 22828
to start receiving our caregiver newsletter
and announcements.
For individual consultations, assistance, questions or concerns please contact:
Jill Costello, MA at 912-629-1331 / JCostello@HospiceSavannah.org
or
Elizabeth Brodhead, LMSW at 912-629-1069 / EBrodhead@HospiceSavannah.org
For more information on the Edel Caregiver Institute, please visit our website: www.EdelCaregiverInstitute.org

While there is no charge for our classes or support groups, we gratefully accept donations.
The Edel Caregiver Institute is part of the Hospice Savannah Inc. continuum of care.
Hospice Savannah is accredited by The Joint Commission, the gold standard in health care, meaning our staff has made an extra effort to review and improve the key areas that can affect the quality and safety of your care.